19 Aug The Benefits of Regular Tree Inspections for Early Detection of Issues
Property owners often overlook the importance of regular tree inspections. Trees can also suffer from range of issues and can lead to serious damage if left unchecked. Regular inspections help you catch these problems early and ensure your trees remain healthy, stable, and beautiful for many years.
In this blog, we’re going to thoroughly discuss the importance of regular tree inspection and how you can do it. With the help of tree professionals like TTS Tree Surgery, you are sure to gain knowledge and guarantee the long-term health and safety of your trees.
Let’s get started!
Importance of regular tree inspections
Just like routine health check-ups for us humans, trees also need regular assessments to make sure that they are healthy and safe. When you are aware of the potential issues, you can prevent small problems from escalating, saving you time and money in the long run.
Let’s explore why regular tree inspections are important:
Preventing major tree issues
Early detection of diseases and pest infestations is one of the primary benefits of regular tree inspections. These issues are not always visible to the naked eye, that’s why regular inspection is needed.
For example, if you’re tree suffers from a minor fungal infection, it can be detected during the inspection. This way, you can immediately treat it before it spreads and cause significant damage. If left untreated, you might have to resort to tree removal, which can be costly.
By investing in regular tree inspections, you can maintain the wellbeing of your trees and reduce the likelihood of tree removal.
Ensuring safety on your property
Safety is another reason to seek regular tree inspections. Trees with weak branches, internal decay, or an unstable root system can pose significant risks to your property and anyone on it. Through inspections, you can avoid accidents like falling branches or even tree collapsing.
For instance, a leaning tree that can look harmless could be at risk of toppling over in a strong wind, which can potentially damage your property and harm people surrounding it.
A regular inspection can identify such dangers and provide solutions, such as pruning or cabling to stabilise the tree and ensure its safety.
Signs of tree health issues
Recognising the early signs of health issues on your trees is crucial to the longevity and safety of your trees. When you identify these issues beforehand, you can take proactive steps to address these problems.
Here are some common signs of tree issues that you can watch out:
Like people, trees also show signs of stress when they’re not thriving. Visual indicators are often your first clue that something may be wrong, such as:
- Discolouration of leaves: One of the common visual signs that your trees are stressed is if their leaves are changing colour out of season. This usually indicates that they are not getting enough nutrients.
- Wilting leaves: Another sign of stress on trees is wilting or drooping of their leaves. When their leaves wilt, it means that they are underwatered. This is usual during summer months, when your trees are more exposed to heat.
- Unusual leaf drop: When the leaves of your trees are dropping excessively and unexpectedly, it’s a telling sign that they are under stress. This can be from drought or root issues.
Aside from visual signs, there are also structural signs that you need to know to see if you’re trees are suffering from stress. This includes:
- Exposed roots: One of the structural signs to look out for when it comes to tree stress is exposed roots, which can be due to soil erosion or improper planting. Make sure to cover it with soil and mulch to avoid it from further damage.
- Cracks or splits in the bark: This sign of tree stress commonly roots from physical damage or major change in temperature. It’s recommended to use protective barriers to secure your tree.
- Fungal growth: If you notice fungi growing on your tree, it can be an implication of decay or other underlying issue. Proper tree maintenance like fertilisation and regular watering can help improve your tree health. You can also seek help from tree professionals if you’re unsure how to solve this problem.
Common tree diseases and pests in Scotland
We all know that Scotland is home to many varieties of trees. Unfortunately, they are also prone and vulnerable to numerous diseases and pests. Identifying these issues earlier can help you protect your trees and prevent the spread of the disease.
Photo from: Forest Research UK
Here are some of the common tree diseases and pests that you may encounter in Scotland:
- Phytophthora pluvialis: This is a fungus-like pathogen that is still present in the UK and other counties. It can cause needle cast, shoot dieback, and lesions on the stem, branches, and roots. Some of the trees that can be affected with this disease are conifer species.
- Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus): This is a fungi-caused disease that are harmful to ash trees up until today. It causes leaf loss and crown dieback and is usually cause more damage to younger trees.
- Conifer Root and Butt Rot (Heterobasidion annosum): Conifer root and butt rot is one of the most serious diseases that still present today in the commercial conifer forestry. This disease affects the roots, butts, and stems of conifer trees.
- Dothistroma Needle Blight (Dothistroma septosporum): This fungal disease that affects pine trees is still present throughout Scotland. When the fungus attacks the needles of the tree, it will eventually shed and can also lead to its demise.
- Great Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus micans):This pest infests spruce and pine trees by digging through its bark to lay its eggs. It will then feed onto the nutrients of the tree, which will make it weak and cause its death.
- Large Pine Weevil (Hylobius abietis):Also known as the large brown pine weevil, this is a common pest that damages the seedlings of pine and spruce trees.
- Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea): This is an invasive pest that primarily affects oak trees. These caterpillars of this moth feed on oak leaves and can even strip the tree bare when they come in large populations. Additionally, their hairs can cause health problems in humans and animals.
- Phytophthora austrocedri: A pathogen that primarily affects juniper and cypress species, this agreesive pathogen causes dieback and tree death. They are still a common disease in Scotland, especially in the uplands.
- Ramorum Disease on Larch (Phytophthora ramorum):Also called as water mould, this highly destructive disease causes extensive damage to larch, conifer, and broadleaf species. They are common in the wetter, west regions.
How to conduct a tree inspection
Regular tree inspections are important. And the good thing is, you can conduct your own inspection at your home to see if your trees are healthy. Here, we’re going to offer some tips on DIY tree inspections and when you contact professional arborists for help.
DIY tree inspection tips
You don’t need to be a professional to perform a basic tree inspection. Let’s see the simple steps you can follow to assess the health of your trees:
- Start at the base: When inspecting your tree, start at its base then proceed upwards. Look for any signs of root damage, such as exposed roots, fungi, or excessive soil movement.
- Check the trunk: Examine if there are cracks, splits, or signs of decay. Be particular to any unusual bark texture or missing bark, as these can indicate internal issues.
- Assess the branches: Look for dead or broken branches that could pose a risk. Watch out for branches that are too close to structures or power lines.
- Leaf and Needle Health: Observe the leaves or needles for any signs of disease, discoloration, or unusual shedding.
Having a few essential tools on hand can make this process easier. A pair of binoculars can help you inspect higher branches, while a small garden trowel might be useful for checking the soil around the roots.
When to call a professional arborist
While DIY inspections are a great start, there are times when professional help is necessary. These certain signs can be:
- Large dead branches: If you notice significant dead or hanging branches, especially those high up, it’s best to immediately consult a professional.
- Unusual leaning: Trees that have started leaning suddenly or have an abnormal lean may require a professional evaluation to ensure they aren’t at risk of falling.
- Signs of disease: If your inspection reveals signs of disease, such as fungi, significant leaf loss, or visible pests, it’s time to call in a certified arborist.
A certified arborist can provide a health report detailing insights if there are any underlying issues and recommending appropriate treatment. They have the skill and knowledge to identify problems and can guide you on the best course of action to preserve your trees.
Experience expert care from TTS Tree Surgery
Whether you’ve noticed some concerning signs or simply want peace of mind, TTS is here to help. Our team of professional arborists has the expertise and experience to perform thorough inspections, identify potential issues, and provide the necessary care to ensure your trees thrive for years to come.
Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one—contact us to schedule your tree inspection and maintenance. Let us help you keep your garden safe and your trees in top condition!